To repeal section 304.200, RSMo Supp. 1995, relating to special permits for oversize loads, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to the same subject.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI,

AS FOLLOWS:

Section A. Section 304.200, RSMo Supp. 1995, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 304.200, to read as follows:

304.200. 1. The chief engineer of the state department of highways and transportation, for good cause shown and when the public safety or public interest so justifies, shall issue special permits for vehicles or equipment exceeding the limitations on width, length, height and weight herein specified, or which are unable to maintain minimum speed limits. Such permits shall be issued only for a single trip or for a definite period, not beyond the date of expiration of the vehicle registration, and shall designate the highways and bridges which may be used under the authority of such permit.

2. The chief engineer of the state department of highways and transportation shall upon proper application issue a special permit to any person allowing the movement on state and federal highways of farm products not in excess of fourteen feet in width. Special permits allowing movement of oversize loads of farm products shall allow for movement between sunset and sunrise, subject to appropriate requirements for safety lighting on the load, appropriate limits on load dimensions and appropriate consideration of high traffic density between sunset and sunrise on the route(s) to be traveled. The chief engineer may also issue upon proper application a special permit to any person allowing the movement on the state and federal highways of vehicles hauling lumber products and earth moving equipment not in excess of fourteen feet in width.

3. Rules and regulations for the issuance of special permits shall be prescribed by the state highways and transportation commission and filed with the secretary of state. No rule or portion of a rule promulgated under the authority of sections 304.010, 304.200 and this section shall become effective unless it has been promulgated pursuant to the provisions of section 536.024, RSMo.

4. The officer in charge of the maintenance of the streets of any municipality may issue such permits for the use of the streets by such vehicles within the limits of such municipalities.

5. In order to transport manufactured homes, as defined in section 700.010, RSMo, on the roads, highways, bridges and other thoroughfares within this state, only the applicable permits required by this section shall be obtained.